There are two types of students: those who enjoy online classes and those who don’t. Regardless of your preference, it’s inevitable to participate in an online course during your college years. With that said, acing your online courses is entirely in your hands. Here’s how to assure success.
Hold yourself accountable
You should take your online classes just as seriously as your in-person classes. Just because the schedule is different and you’re not seeing your professor face-to-face doesn’t mean the class deserves less attention. Hold yourself accountable and put in effort for your online courses. Treat it like a real class: set goals for yourself, be consistent and be organized. Your success in an online course is determined by your discipline and motivation to meet the class’s requirements and do the work.
Figure out how you learn best
Different individuals learn in different ways, and with online classes, understanding the material and asking questions as they come is not always easy. Figure out what works best for you and how you learn best. If you’re an early bird, do your online assignments or studying in the morning. If you’re a night owl, set aside an hour or two before bed to learn the material and do the assignments. If you find yourself struggling in your online course, turn to other educational tools like YouTube videos, Coursera or edX to help you. You can also check out NSU’s Tutoring and Testing Center for an in-person helping hand.
Manage your time
Since online classes do not follow a schedule, in order to succeed, it is crucial to manage your time. At the start of the course, look at the syllabus and make a note of all important due dates and exam dates. Depending on the class itself, you may have to dedicate more time than for other classes. Find a time slot that works for you and plan a schedule to keep up with your online course(s). If you find yourself getting easily distracted or procrastinating, eliminate distractions by setting your phone aside or finding a quiet place to get your work done.
Make connections
If you’re taking an online course, chances are the class is a requirement for your major or graduation. With that said, it is just as important to make connections in your online courses as it is in your in-person courses. Connect with your online professor early on to establish a relationship and get the most out of the course. It is also a great idea to connect with your classmates and actively participate in discussions. This not only helps you understand the contents of the course on a deeper level, but you are also networking, which can be beneficial for the future in whatever industry you’re interested in.
College is what you make of it and the same goes for online classes. If you put in the time and effort, you’re bound to see your growth and success.
